return fire
noun
: the firing of a weapon to counter a shooter's shot
The suspect started shooting and was wounded by the return fire of the police.
Examples of return fire in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The deputy tried to take cover and retrieve his rifle to return fire.
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Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Police said the suspects fired into the home, prompting the homeowners to return fire, killing both men.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Seoul's military said the soldiers returned north of the military demarcation line and did not return fire.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Prosecutors said Guilfoyle shot Bowers in his bullet-resistant vest, but Bowers was able to return fire, striking Guilfoyle.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for return fire
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Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Police said the suspects fired into the home, prompting the homeowners to return fire, killing both men.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Seoul's military said the soldiers returned north of the military demarcation line and did not return fire.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Prosecutors said Guilfoyle shot Bowers in his bullet-resistant vest, but Bowers was able to return fire, striking Guilfoyle.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for return fire
Cite this Entry
“Return fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/return%20fire. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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